Saxophone Lessons in Knob Hill, CO

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I am a southern California retired music teacher. I graduated with a double major in music from South Dakota State University. I taught instrumental music in public and private schools for the last 36 years. I have also owned and operated my own piano studio. I am married and have three boys. I'm active in church music and I also frequently accompany music students for recitals and rehearsals including school musicals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet

For beginning improvisers, I rely solely on my own materials and exercises, which emphasize the bebop scale and short ii-V licks and help develop understanding of key centers and 7-3 resolutions. For intermediate students as well, these concepts are essential to development as an improviser. For saxophonists, I begin with scalar studies and stress the importance of tone developing exercises such as overtones and long tones, but quickly introduce manageable repetoire. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students, I always start with the Essential Elements book 1. I have found that the combination of foundational teaching and songs that accompany what was just discussed helps students feel like they are applying what they have learned to something the can show off to people to people around them. Once they move past that, I try to introduce solo repertoire that is appropriate for their level. This helps prepare them for future solo recitals. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Saxophone French Horn

I am very big on rewards programs and keeping students excited about what they are playing. This required reasonable, achievable goals that still push the student to go beyond their comfort level. Positive reinforcement is so important, especially with early players and when we hit walls in our growth. Seeing exactly where a student is at and understanding the encouragement they need is what makes a good teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Bass Guitar

My methods differ for each instrument. For piano I will start with Alfred's basic piano course if the student is a beginner. It helps students visualize the basic techniques for sitting and playing the piano in a way that will prevent injury. From there we walk through the book until the student understands how the keys and reading music works. After this, I start to assign different songs and/or assignments that match the student's learning style and interest in music. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Oboe Bassoon

My teaching experience began in 2008, when I began teaching private lessons on various instruments, on voice, and on conducting. I later went on to teach band and choir at Cedar Bluff High School in 2011. After this, I volunteered as the band director at Valley Head High School in 2014. I have enjoyed every moment of teaching music and have taken so much from the experiences that I've had. If I was to emphasize anything about learning the art, it would be the understanding of interpretation and how to make any music into something that is uniquely yours. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

Watching a student develop a passion for music is a very rewarding feeling.  Thats why I feel it is important that each student progresses at his or her own pace.  Everyone learns at different paces and in different ways. I set achievable goals for each lessons, and use enthusiasm and positivity as my catalysts.  By finding out what inspires the student, I can adjust my lessons accordingly to their wants and needs. Read More